That function is for pixel-based props. It makes a copy of the prop, and the new prop utilizes the "advanced shape". With an advanced shape you can move each individual pixel as needed by dragging them on the design canvas. You can also change how the pixels are arranged in the effects buffer by clicking the "Edit Advanced Buffer Layout" button. As the name implies, this is is an advanced function, but can be used to create pixel props that cannot be represented by other shapes.
Matt

In the next release, the logic that gets applied when a new preview is assigned to a sequence has been improved. Hopefully this will address your issue.
If not, please post details when using version 5.2.4 or later.
Thanks,
Matt

You can set the RGB color order in 2 places:
1) In PixCon16 configuration within Network Preferences:
http://www1.lightorama.com/downloads/5.2.2/help/pixcon16_configuration.htm
2) In S5 Prop Definition:
http://www1.lightorama.com/downloads/5.2.2/help/prop_definition.htm
You only want set the color order in one place (the other place should be set to RGB order).
A change in the S5 prop definition color order would explain the issue you are seeing.
Matt

Changing sequencing on one row should not affect any other row -- unless the channels are in a group and the group is collapsed, in which case changing the group's visible row also changes all of the hidden rows (just like SE).
How are you changing the DMX intensities? One approach is this:
After selecting the Max Intensity tool, you can drag the pencil icon over the cells you want to set to that intensity.
Matt

Could be either of these:
1) The upgrade process looks for your Pixel Editor file (LPE extension). The LPE file must be in the same directory as your LMS/LAS main sequence file you are upgrading (same requirement exists in S4).
2) The props may have been archived during the upgrade process. Change the grid view to "Show All Items". Are the Candy* props shown there with an "@" symbol in front? That means they were archived. You will need to copy/paste the effects from the archived prop to the prop in the preview.
More on archived props here: http://www1.lightorama.com/downloads/5.2.2/help/concept_archived_props.htm
Matt

1) copy your 2018 preview to a 2019 version
http://www1.lightorama.com/downloads/5.2.2/help/manage_previews.htm
2) In the 2019 preview, leave your 2018 dumb rgb stars, and add the pixel stars
3) Open each 2018 sequence,
3a) use Sequence > Assign Different Preview to change the preview to the 2019 version.
3b) Use File > Save As to save the sequence with "2019" in the name.
3c) Select the entire row (R shortcut key is good for this) containing the sequencing for the dumb rgb star, then select the entire row for the new pixel star and then paste.
3d) Save and close the sequence
4) Once you have converted all of your sequences, you can delete the dumb rgb stars from the 2019 preview.
Matt

1) copy your 2018 preview to a 2019 version
2) In the 2019 preview, leave your 2018 dumb rgb stars, and add the pixel stars
3) Open each 2018 sequence,
3a) use Sequence > Assign Different Preview to change the preview to the 2019 version.
3b) Use File > Save As to save the sequence with "2019" in the name.
3c) Select the entire row (R shortcut key is good for this) containing the sequencing for the dumb rgb star, then select the entire row for the new pixel star and then paste.
3d) Save and close the sequence
4) Once you have converted all of your sequences, you can delete the dumb rgb star from the 2019 preview.
Your sequences for 2019 will start out with the stars doing the same things they did in 2018, but now you can spice it up with motion effects.
Matt

On the fire effect, what would be the difference between using the existing "Hue Shift" control vs. using a color palette? What are you looking to achieve?
When you say "sound level spectrum option", are you talking about a new effect like this?

The limit will be 999 in the next release. Thanks for pointing it out.
In S5, the preview defines the channels that can be controlled and the props that can be sequenced; so yes, a preview is required. However, there is a feature called zoomed playback, where playback is zoomed in on the prop (or group) that you choose. Just right-click on the prop name and choose one of the options on the Zoomed Playback sub-menu.